Chronicle Summer 2023

44 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Dr Emma Speed-Andrews What do you do here at Teddies and how long have you been here? I arrived in September to be the School Psychologist. My main role is to provide psychological support to pupils and to work alongside the pastoral team to promote, support and enable the wellbeing of the whole school community. Tell us a bit about your own education and career so far. What are the highlights to date? I completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Oxford University in 2008 and went on to work for the NHS, specialising in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, whilst also working in private practice. In 2014, I moved to work in education as the School Psychologist for Eton College and designed and delivered their first psychology service. At Eton I realised how much I enjoyed working in a boarding school and the strong sense of community. From there I worked at Harrow School as their psychologist, before moving back to Oxford to work here at Teddies. There have been many career highlights and it is always a privilege to be alongside pupils and their families, offering support and hearing about their journeys and experiences. Who or what inspired you to become a psychologist? At school, I had great teachers who really inspired a love of subject, and conversations with them led me to study psychology as an undergraduate. Whilst at university I volunteered for a mental health charity and this, alongside the academic programme, cemented my enthusiasm to become a psychologist. I went on to gain experience working in research and mental health and then completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. What do you find the best stress reliever? I like to go for a run in the countryside with my dog, Twiggy. Talking with family and friends and reading a book are also good. What do you think have been the most important developments in wellbeing in schools? Early intervention approaches are so important, and schools are ideally placed to offer these. In recent years there has been a real change in the level of momentum and resource around wellbeing, with programmes becoming far more sophisticated and thorough. I have observed staff setting aside time and showing real dedication to support pupils to take an interest in their own wellbeing, to develop the skills to navigate the tough times that will inevitably come and the self-awareness to know what does and does not help. What do you think is the best thing about living in Oxford? To be right on the doorstep of an amazing university city with fantastic culture and buildings and also to be surrounded by countryside and open space. What is a good piece of advice you have been given? A pupil recently told me – ‘you don’t need to be a social butterfly, just don’t be a wasp’. I thought that was great!

What are you currently reading? Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.